Sri Lanka seeks negotiated settlement with India

• Sri Lanka seeks negotiated settlement with India

By Easwaran Rutnam   

Sri Lanka is seeking a negotiated settlement with India on the Colombo Port issue.   

Relations between India and Sri Lanka sunk to a new low after Sri Lanka decided not to proceed with a decision to give the management of the East Container Terminal at the Colombo Port to India and Japan.   

Cabinet co-spokesman Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said that Sri Lanka is mindful of the importance of the relationship with India.   He told reporters at a virtual media briefing yesterday that India has helped Sri Lanka in a big way.   “But they can understand the situation in our country and the importance of this terminal (East Container Terminal) to us. I am sure India will understand this and maintain a friendly relationship with us,” he said.    The Minister also said that Sri Lanka signs agreements keeping the best interest of the country in mind.   
He recalled that Sri Lanka refused to sign the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement with the US as well, in the best interest of the country.